CAT DX12 18V 1/2” Cordless Hammer Drill

Introduction

The CAT DX12 18V 1 FOR ALL ½ inch Cordless Hammer Drill with Brushless Motor is engineered for outstanding performance and durability. Designed for professional use, this hammer drill provides the power and functionality required for a wide range of drilling applications, including concrete and masonry, as well as wood and metal. Its high-efficiency brushless motor offers increased power, extended runtime, and longer life compared to standard brushed motors. The drill operates on the versatile 18V 1 FOR ALL battery platform, ensuring compatibility with other tools in the series.

Safety Information

Always read and understand all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations, and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

• Work Area Safety: Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
• Electrical Safety: Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Personal Safety: Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
• Power Tool Use and Care: Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users. Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation. Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Battery Tool Use and Care: Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack. Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns. Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury. Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130°C (265°F) may cause explosion. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions. Charging improperly or at temperatures outside the specified range may damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Service: Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained. Never service damaged battery packs. Service of battery packs should only be performed by the manufacturer or authorized service providers.

What's Included

Your CAT DX12 18V 1/2” Cordless Hammer Drill package includes the following components:

• 18V 1/2” Cordless Hammer Drill (DX12B)
• (2) 18V 2.0Ah 1 FOR ALL Batteries (DXB2)
• 4.0A Charger (DXC4)
• Belt Clip
• Slide-Lock Kit Box

This image illustrates all the components included in the CAT DX12 18V 1/2” Cordless Hammer Drill kit: the drill unit, two 2.0Ah batteries, a 4.0A charger, a belt clip, and a durable slide-lock storage case.

Product Features Overview

The CAT DX12 hammer drill is designed with several key features to enhance performance and user experience:

• Brushless Motor: Delivers 25% more power, 50% more runtime, and 10X longer life than standard brushed motors.
• High Torque: Provides 600 in-lbs max torque for heavy-duty drilling.
• Impact Rate: Features a 32,000 BPM max impact rate for concrete and masonry applications.
• Versatile Chuck: Equipped with a 1/2” all-metal ratcheting chuck for superior bit retention.
• Torque Settings: Offers 22+1+1 torque levels for precise control across various materials and tasks.
• Two-Speed Gearbox: Provides two speed settings (0-500 RPM for high-torque, 0-2000 RPM for faster drilling) for optimal performance.
• Integrated LED Light: Illuminates the work area for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
• Durable Construction: Features an aluminum gearbox and a fully sealed circuit board for resistance against dust, shock, and water damage.

This diagram visually represents the core features of the CAT DX12 drill, including its 1/2-inch chuck, 600 in/lbs of torque, and the advanced brushless motor technology.

Setup

Battery Charging

The included 4.0A charger is designed for rapid recharging of your 18V 1 FOR ALL lithium-ion batteries. Ensure the charger is connected to a compatible power outlet. Insert the battery pack into the charger. The charger will indicate the charging status via LED lights. A full charge typically takes 30 minutes.

Battery Installation and Removal

To install the battery, align the battery pack with the base of the drill handle and slide it firmly until it clicks into place. To remove the battery, press the release button located on the battery pack and slide it out from the drill.

Chuck Operation

The 1/2” all-metal ratcheting chuck provides secure bit retention. To open the chuck, rotate the chuck collar counter-clockwise. Insert the desired drill bit or accessory, then rotate the chuck collar clockwise to tighten it securely. Ensure the bit is centered and firmly gripped before operation.

This image provides a detailed view of the robust 1/2-inch all-metal ratcheting chuck, designed for secure bit holding.

Operating Instructions

Powering On/Off

To power on the drill, press the variable speed trigger. The drill speed will increase as you apply more pressure to the trigger. To power off, release the trigger.

Speed Control

The drill features a two-speed gearbox. Use the speed selector switch located on top of the drill to choose between:

• Low Speed (0-500 RPM): Ideal for high-torque applications and precision drilling.
• High Speed (0-2000 RPM): Suitable for faster drilling and driving through smaller holes.

This image shows the drill in action, highlighting its two-speed control for different drilling requirements.

A close-up of the 2-speed gear box switch, allowing users to easily select between high and low speeds.

Torque Settings and Mode Selection

The drill features a 22+1+1 clutch system, allowing you to adjust the torque and select the operating mode:

• Torque Settings (1-22): Rotate the torque adjustment ring to set the desired amount of force for driving screws or drilling into various materials. Lower numbers are for softer materials or smaller screws, higher numbers for harder materials or larger screws.
• Drill Mode: Select the drill icon for standard drilling operations without clutch activation.
• Hammer Mode: Select the hammer icon for hammer drilling into concrete or masonry, engaging the impact mechanism.

This image details the 22+1+1 clutch positions, which allow for quick and easy switching between various torque settings, drill mode, and hammer mode.

LED Work Light

The built-in LED light automatically activates when the trigger is pressed, illuminating the work area. It remains on for a short period after the trigger is released, providing continued visibility in dark or confined spaces.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your CAT DX12 hammer drill.

• Cleaning: Keep the tool’s ventilation slots clean to prevent overheating. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Storage: Store the drill, batteries, and charger in the provided slide-lock case in a dry, secure location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Battery Care: Store batteries in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, it is recommended to charge batteries to about 50% capacity.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your CAT DX12 hammer drill, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included in your product packaging or visit the official CAT Tools website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.